News Analysis: Amazon will reportedly launch a new tablet soon, and when it does, it could be a worthwhile alternative to Apple's iPad 2.
A
new
report from the Wall Street Journal contends that Amazon is getting ready
to launch an Android-based tablet. According to the report, the device could be
made available to customers as early as October and will boast many of the
features consumers are after, including a big display and access to the
company's application marketplace.
Already,
there are some folks chiming in on Amazon tablet's chances of success. Many of
those people say that the tablet might perform well at retail, but it won't be
able to compete on the same level as Apple's iPad. Those critics say that
Apple's tablet is simply too popular and too well-built for any company,
including Amazon, to even come close to taking it down.
Although
the Amazon tablet likely won't take the iPad down, it does have a chance at
becoming a strong competitor in the tablet market. Apple's iPad is a great
product with a proven track record of success. But any tablet Amazon offers
might just give it a run for its money.
Read
on to find out why:
1. The Amazon brand carries weight
One
of the biggest issues with iPad competitors right now is that the companies
that developed them don't have the same kind of brand appeal as Apple. Amazon,
however, does. The company is trusted as a fine online retailer and is
well-known across the world. That alone could help any Amazon tablet take on
Apple's iPad. After all, if consumers trust a company, they will be far more
likely to buy its products.
2. The reported timing is perfect
If
the Wall Street Journal is correct,
Amazon will be launching its Android tablet in October. With that launch
date, the company could potentially capitalize on the busy holiday-shopping
season, since the tablet will be fresh on the minds of folks looking to buy a
slate this year. Even better, as long as Apple doesn't release another iPad
this fall, it would give Amazon months to appeal to customers before Apple
offers up its own new tablet. Timing is everything in retail, and based on
what's known so far, Amazon seems to know that.
3. The screen size is where it needs to be
According
to the Wall Street Journal's sources, the Amazon tablet will ship with about a
9-inch display. Whether or not that means it will come with a 9.7-inch screen
that matches the iPad's or just a standard 9-inch display is unknown at this
point. But in either case, the screen would be in the sweet spot. Small, 7-inch
displays don't work in the tablet market. Consumers have proved that they want
large, 9- to 10-inch displays. If Amazon delivers that in its tablet, it will
help put its device on the map.
4. Android is getting better
The
Amazon tablet will be launching with Android. Chances are, the device will
be running Android 3.1. Although that platform can't compete on the same level
as iOS, it's getting closer as Google offers more updates. Most folks who have
used the tablet-friendly Android version are somewhat happy with it. As Android
improves over the next several months, Amazon should be able to capitalize on
that with its tablet.
Email
Print
